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Unit 2: The Agricultural Professional's Role

Reading the Farm or ranch brings together all the diverse facets of sustainable agriculture: It's truly a multidimensional process. No one individual has all the skills (or time) needed to conduct this type of assessment, so teamwork and collaboration are essential in making the process work effectively for you and the farmer or rancher. You can learn more about Reading the Farm in the following resources:

• Journal of Extension article. Reading the Farm: Training Agricultural Professionals in Whole Farm Analysis for Sustainable Agriculture

• NE SARE Planning and Facilitation Guide.  Reading the Farm: Training Agricultural Professionals in Whole Farm Analysis for Sustainable Agriculture

Organic lettuce field near Philomath, Oregon. (Lynn Ketchum, OSU EESC)